Quid pro quo is a Latin term loosely translated to this for that. If your supervisor pegs or bases a job promotion, work benefits and other opportunities to grow your career on sexual favors, you may be a victim of quid pro quo sexual harassment.
It could be a thinly veiled sexual action or innuendo by your supervisor or anyone in authority. Either way, if you ever feel obliged to perform a sexual favor in return for anything work-related, it is a form of sexual harassment, which is illegal at both state and federal levels.
What should you do about it?
First, it is crucial to have evidence of such sexual harassment if you have been a victim. Communication logs can go a long way in supporting your case. Emails, text messages, phone calls or a record of any verbal exchanges that contain suggestive sexual messages or advances could help your claim as well as testimonies from your colleagues or witnesses.
You can then file a harassment claim against your employer with the relevant regulatory agency. Depending on the particulars of your case, you may be entitled to certain damages for the harm or losses you suffered. For instance, you can claim missed wages and emotional distress if the harassment affected your employment.
Get the necessary assistance
Do not be afraid of taking appropriate action because you think you have a weak case or even if you gave in to the demands. No one may have been present at the time or you may think you do not have enough evidence. Still, you should not sit back and sweep things under the rug.
It is best to reach out for help on what you can do to build your case before filing a claim. You may even encourage other affected employees to come forward and get justice.
